Wrist Discomfort After Radius Fracture Surgery

Q: Wrist Discomfort After Radius Fracture Surgery

Hello： There could be many possible reasons for your pain. <br>I would like to know the severity of your pain on a scale of 1 to 10. <br>Additionally, if you could provide some imaging and allow for a physical examination during the clinic visit, I may be able to offer you more a

Radial fracture

Hello doctor, I had a car accident previously that resulted in a fracture of the right radius (near the wrist).
The doctor placed a plate for stabilization, and later I had surgery to remove the plate.
However, I am experiencing discomfort in my wrist.
What could be the reason for this?

Xiao Pang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/29

Dr. You Dianqi reply Orthopedics

Hello: There could be many possible reasons for your pain.
I would like to know the severity of your pain on a scale of 1 to 10.
Additionally, if you could provide some imaging and allow for a physical examination during the clinic visit, I may be able to offer you more accurate advice and recommendations.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2018/12/29

More Info

After undergoing surgery for a radius fracture, particularly one that involves the insertion and subsequent removal of a plate, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort in the wrist. This discomfort can arise from several factors related to the surgical procedure, the healing process, and the rehabilitation phase.

Firstly, the surgical intervention itself can lead to soft tissue trauma. During the surgery, the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the wrist may have been manipulated or incised, which can result in inflammation and pain as the body heals. This is a normal part of the recovery process, and while some discomfort is expected, it should gradually improve over time.

Secondly, the removal of the plate can also contribute to discomfort. The plate is typically secured to the bone with screws, and the process of removing it can cause additional irritation to the surrounding tissues. After the plate is removed, the area may be sensitive, and the bone itself may take time to regain its strength and stability. The sensation of discomfort could be due to the bone remodeling process, where the body is adjusting to the absence of the plate and healing the surgical site.

Another important aspect to consider is the potential for stiffness in the wrist joint. After immobilization during the healing phase, it is common for joints to become stiff, leading to discomfort during movement. Engaging in physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises is crucial to regain range of motion and strength in the wrist. If you have not yet started rehabilitation, it is advisable to consult your physician or a physical therapist to develop a tailored exercise program that can help alleviate discomfort and improve function.

Additionally, it is essential to rule out any complications that could be contributing to your discomfort. These may include:
1. Nerve Irritation or Injury: During surgery, nearby nerves may have been affected, leading to sensations of tingling, numbness, or pain in the wrist and hand.

2. Scar Tissue Formation: Post-surgical scar tissue can form around the surgical site, which may lead to discomfort and restricted movement.

3. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): In some cases, patients may develop CRPS, a condition characterized by prolonged pain and changes in the skin, which can occur after an injury or surgery.

4. Infection: Although rare, an infection at the surgical site can cause significant discomfort and should be evaluated by a physician.

In summary, wrist discomfort after radius fracture surgery can be attributed to a combination of surgical trauma, healing processes, stiffness, and potential complications. It is essential to communicate your symptoms with your healthcare provider, who can assess your condition and recommend appropriate interventions. Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program is vital for recovery, and addressing any underlying issues will help ensure a smoother healing process. If discomfort persists or worsens, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out complications.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Concerns for Wrist Fracture Recovery: What to Expect

Dear Dr. Shi, My mother fell at home in mid-February, resulting in a fracture and displacement of her left wrist joint. Due to various reasons, her surgery was delayed until mid-May. Because of the prolonged time since the injury, the bones in her wrist and hand have become misa...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. It is inevitable for joints to become stiff after a fracture, and continuous rehabilitation is necessary for improvement. 2. For a fracture to heal, a callus will form at the site, and with the presence of a plate, it may appear slightly thicker. 3. If the surgical incisio...

Post-Surgery Nerve Pain After Wrist Fracture: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I had surgery for a wrist fracture on October 4th, and it has been nearly two months since then. During these two months, the bone and wound have healed normally, but in the past week, I have been experiencing pain in the nerves of my wrist, particularly affecting m...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Wrist fractures are typically approached through a surgical incision on the palmar side, where the median nerve is distributed. If the median nerve is damaged, it may cause numbness, and your pain could also be due to inflammation of the first extensor tendon sheath on the latera...

Managing Severe Pain After Distal Radius Fracture Surgery: A Patient's Guide

Hello, I am a 25-year-old female. A month ago, I sustained a distal radius fracture in my wrist and underwent surgery with a locking plate and cast fixation under the National Health Insurance. It has been nearly a month post-surgery, and I am still experiencing severe pain daily...

Dr. You Dianqi reply Orthopedics
Typically, a follow-up appointment is scheduled 14 days post-surgery to assess whether the cast can be removed and to discuss subsequent rehabilitation methods. After that, follow-up visits are recommended every two weeks to monitor recovery progress. It is advisable to return fo...

Understanding Nerve Compression After Radius Fracture Surgery: Causes and Relief

In June, I underwent a radial fixation surgery, and my post-operative condition was good with no discomfort. The images below are X-rays from October of last year: https://i.imgur.com/N2954ot.jpeg https://i.imgur.com/au3i0vy.jpeg. In early June of this year, I had the hardware (t...

Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, after the removal of the plate following a distal radius fracture surgery, it is common to experience numbness in the fingers. Generally, if the nerves are stimulated or damaged, recovery can take some time, usually around three months or even longer. If the pain at the in...